November/December 2018

* Further, Bruce has offered to post in his newsletter any article/announcement from NCCOC chapters that has to do with Veterans...links to your Chapter newsletter or activities that are on your own Chapter webpage can also be advertised/posted.

* To partner with the VA in ways such as this can only be advantageous...a win/win so to speak.

November 2, 2018

Each year, we observe Veterans Day in honor of all those who answered the call to serve our country. On Veterans Day (Sunday, November 11th), we pay a special tribute to the men and women and their families who sacrificed so much for our nation and our country. I know firsthand that service members, veterans, and their families are the cornerstone of their communities all across this great state. Day in and day out, I, and my dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure that every veteran in our state receives the highest level of service in appreciation for the sacrifice, honor, dignity and integrity they exhibited while serving our country. Veterans, active duty military and their families account for almost ten percent of our total population. These individuals are an incredible asset to our state’s economy and culture.

North Carolina is proud to be the home of the most exemplary military bases in our nation. These facilities are manned by thousands of brave and committed men and women who work hard every day to ensure that the freedoms that we hold dear are kept safe. Our state is one of the top destinations for these individuals when they transition back to civilian life. We work hard to preserve that designation for those transitioning as well as our veteran community.

I am devoted to addressing the needs and challenges that veterans and their families face on a daily basis. My staff and I, along with Governor Cooper, are steadfast in our commitment to enriching the lives of veterans and their families. Together our team stands ready to offer sound advice, assistance and resources to address our veterans’ needs.

I ask, whether you are a veteran, an advocate or a veteran family member that you call (844) 624-8387 or go online for the latest updates and information regarding veterans. Also, below is a short list of upcoming Veterans Day events. For more events and information on discounts, visit our website or our Facebook page. We hope that you will utilize and share this content with fellow veterans and their families. I also encourage you to keep us informed about what we can do to be of greater assistance to you.

It is my goal as your Chief Advocate to make sure that every active service member and veteran knows that North Carolina is honored to have them in our great state.

Thank you for your service and for all you have done and continue to do!

May 11, 2016

* The North Carolina Council of Chapters participated in the Legislative Day held in Raleigh on this date.

* Following set-up, events of the day included an opening ceremony in front of the Legislative Building, the many veterans and veterans groups honoring the colors, and a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace and leading the procession into the building to "Storm" the legislators.

* A Vietnam War 50th Commemorative Ceremony was held at 9:00 AM to invite all eligible veterans from the conflict to be recognized with a commemorative lapel pin and certificate as part of the ceremony. A total of 49 serving veterans were honored.

* All veterans attending the legislative day met with Speaker Tom Moore in the House Chambers to hear his remarks and were then given a period for Q&A.

* In the afternoon, veterans were invited to attend the House and Senate sessions, beginning at 2:00 PM and hear the reading of resolutions sponsored by NelsonMullins and to receive recognition by the legislators.

In His First Year, Tillis Focuses On Reaching Across The Aisle, Supporting Our Military And Veterans:

* Tillis explains to WRAL why he broke with his own party on some key votes, including supporting the recent budget agreement to avert a government shutdown: “We all know the problem. We’ve got to step up as leaders and some of us have to be part of the solution. That means you have to be willing to take tough votes and then come back to your state and look your constituents in the eye and explain to them why you did.”

* The Asheville Citizen-Times highlights Tillis’ success in finding common ground with Democrats: “…Tillis has had kind words for Obama's secretary of veteran's affairs, former corporate executive Robert McDonald, and said he has had success pushing some initiatives with Democratic members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, which Tillis serves on. The Senate passed Tillis' bill to exclude compensation given to victims of state eugenics programs when considering their eligibility for federal benefits. Tillis-backed provisions in a highway bill that became law designate two Interstate highway corridors in eastern North Carolina, and Tillis has had some luck in at least slowing plans to close an Air Force unit at Fort Bragg.”

* The Wilmington Star reports on Tillis’ committee work and his prioritization of providing constituent services to North Carolinians: “U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, meanwhile, said he was pleased with his work on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees. That work included globetrotting to numerous countries and meeting several dignitaries, such as King Abdullah of Jordan. He said his office also focused on constituent services, fielding more than 300,000 constituent letters and handling thousands of cases -- primarily focused on issues for veterans.”

* The Fayetteville Observer highlights Tillis’ efforts to champion Fort Bragg: “Sen. Thom Tillis promises to be a familiar face on Fort Bragg. And he plans on bringing powerful friends with him. North Carolina's junior senator is on a mission to educate Congress on the unique role of Fort Bragg….He promises a truly unique sight for senators, governors and others on the national political landscape who get a close look at Fort Bragg, its leaders and its troops. And if the time comes for more cuts to be made, hopefully they'll remember what they learn here.”

* Tillis tells WNCN he will remain focused on the need to improve the quality and access of care for our veterans: “There are a lot of fundamental changes that have to happen in the VA. Otherwise, we’re just taking the pressure off momentarily but the same problems will persist. We’ve got to be able to provide veterans the choice when a VA facility can’t see them, to provide another option so that they can get the care that they deserve.”

* Tillis outlines the progress of his eugenics compensation legislation in an op-ed published by the Wilmington Star: “Several weeks ago, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan bill to assist living eugenics victims by excluding their payments from state eugenics compensation programs — including North Carolina’s — from consideration in determining federal benefits. Without this legislation, many eugenics victims who receive compensation payments could see their federal benefits reduced or even have their eligibility eliminated, which simply is not fair. The good news is that the House has already moved my bill through committee, and final passage is expected early next year, when it will then head to the president’s desk for his signature.”

* During an interview with TWC News, Tillis stresses the need for Washington to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past: “I didn’t like the fact that we did like other Congresses have done and go to a budget bill the last couple weeks of session. We need to put a priority on the budget and appropriations process for the first six months of this year so we’re not repeating the mistakes that were made by Republicans and Democrats in the past.”

* Most, if not all, persons represented by our Council may have already received a legislative alert or participated in this MOAA sponsored survey...however, for those who have not yet had an opportunity to complete the survey, please do so at the link provided.

December 3, 2015

May 25, 2015

* Presented here are a medley of service songs (music only, no pictures - Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and Navy) played by the Watauga Community Band at today's Memorial Day celebration at the Boone Mall hosted by the High Country Chapter, Military Officers Association of America. Thanks to all our Armed Forces Veterans - those in attendance, those not in attendance and those who've made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation...

The VA has eliminated net worth determinations when reviewing eligibility for VA health care. Previously, income and net worth were factors for those veterans placed in Priority Groups 7 & 8. The VA will be sending letters out to those veterans previously placed in these priority groups, so that they may resubmit their income information to determine if they will be eligible for a higher priority group.

November 11, 2014

* Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC named its campus veterans’ center after longtime student veteran advocate Bob Philpott as part of a series of events to celebrate Veterans Day on Nov 11, 2014.

* Before retiring as CFCC’s veterans affairs coordinator earlier this year, Philpott helped establish CFCC’s veterans center on campus three years ago and was well-known for his support of student veterans and their family members.

* As a 26-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Philpott commanded the US Coast Guard Cutters Gallatin and Vigilant during search and rescue missions as well as drug interdiction operations. Bob was awarded two presidential meritorious service medals.

* After his service to the Coast Guard, Philpott joined CFCC’s staff in December of 1993, as an economics instructor. He then served as dean of vocational and technical programs until 2011. Afterwards, he transitioned into his role as CFCC’s veterans affairs coordinator.

* CFCC President Dr. Ted Spring credited Philpott’s dedication to the college’s student veteran population. “Under Mr. Philpot’s leadership, CFCC was recognized nationally for three consecutive years as a Military Friendly School and is considered a model for schools around the country,” Dr. Spring stated.

* Philpott’s distinguished service extends beyond his time in the US Coast Guard. In fact, in 2007, he received the North Carolina Community College System Employee of the Year Award.

* Military veterans and their family members make up nearly 10 percent of CFCC’s student population in degree-seeking programs. CFCC opened the veterans center three years ago to better accommodate the needs of military personnel and their family members who are taking classes at the college.

June 2, 2014

* For Immediate Distribution: Memorandum to All Veterans, Service Members, Their Families and Those Who Care for Them

* SUBJECT: Two Constructive Ways We Will Help Veterans and Improve Services at VA Medical Facilities: 1) “Vet Tip” Hot-Line for Whistleblowers and 2) Co-Location of State Veteran Service Officers at All VA Medical Facilities in North Carolina.